Pain-relieving medication

Over-the-counter pain relief such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can help you to manage your pain. You can easily find these in supermarkets or pharmacies. Always follow the advice on the packet. It is recommended that they are only taken for a short period of time, usually up to 10 days, unless a medical professional has told you otherwise. There are lots of pain-relieving gels which can also help if you are not able to take tablets. If a gel or ointment contains Ibuprofen, then this must not be taken with Ibuprofen tablets.

More information about pain medication can be found on the NHS website.

We recommend that you seek advice from a Pharmacist or GP prior to taking any new medication. This is to make sure that they are appropriate and will not interact with other medication you are taking.

If you are experiencing persistent pain click here for more information and guidance.  

We would recommend seeking further advice and medical assessment if you have any of the following:

  • If you have been involved in a trauma and you are experiencing severe pain with a reduction of movement
  • If after a few weeks your pain is no better with over-the-counter pain relief
  • If you have symptoms such as pins and needles, weakness, or, numbness in your arms or legs
  • If you have severe pain at night, that doesn’t get better with movement to try and make yourself more comfortable
  • If you are unable to weight bear more than a few steps through your leg because of the pain
  • If your leg appears deformed or rotated more than the other leg